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Sarnia police continuing death investigation of Jillian Keck

Police prepare Wednesday Jan. 9, 2013 to reenact a collision at Murphy Road and Cathcart Boulevard in Sarnia, Ont. Jillian Keck, 10, was killed when she was hit by a vehicle while crossing the intersection Monday. (TYLER KULA photo)

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Police continue to investigate a fatal collision that took the life of Jillian Keck this week, while the 10-year-old Cathcart Public School student was mourned by friends and family.

Funeral service for Keck, survived by her parents and younger sister, was scheduled for Friday at the D.J. Robb Funeral home and Cremation Centre.

“Jillian touched many lives and was a member of the Junior Chorus (at Cathcart school),” read the youngster's obituary notice. “She loved to sing and curled at the Sarnia Golf and Curling Club.”

The family has asked that donations be made to the Children's Wish Network, or a charity of choice.

Hundreds of Facebook users have joined the group “Prayers for Jillian Keck's Family,” through which many are offering condolences and sharing stories about the bright little girl who, one woman said, “had the voice of an angel.”

Meanwhile, no charges have been laid in the incident.

“Officers do everything possible in regards to the investigation before they consult with the Crown,” said Sarnia Police Const. Heather Emmons, Thursday.

Officers with the traffic branch closed the intersection at Cathcart Boulevard and Murphy Road Wednesday to reenact the collision that occurred Monday — when Keck was crossing the intersection around 2 p.m., along with her little sister, behind a crossing guard.

A 79-year-old female driver had been travelling northbound on Murphy Road.

A reader poll on The Observer's Facebook page has drawn hundreds of responses from residents, most of whom say there needs to be better traffic control at the intersection.

“Absolutely, yes... without a doubt,” wrote Lisa Headrick. “I lived right at that intersection growing up and we always said that intersection needs lights.

“I am now 30 years old and we still don't have lights there,” she added. “This is so tragic.”